Moisés S. Hernández
Director, Multimedia Language Center
Lecturer, Spanish

My undergraduate degree is in Anthropology (with a specialization in palaeopathology). In fact, I worked as a consultant archaeologist for about five years (doing government work) before pursuing other interests. My graduate degree is in TESOL (a specialization within the field of Applied Linguistics/Education). And finally, somewhere along the line (between infancy and twenty-five years ago), I acquired five languages (Russian, French, Spanish, Italian, and English), none of which I'm any good at.

It is my philosophy that language resulted as a necessity for survival in a direction that would ultimately lead to abstraction. Similarly, I believe that learning/acquiring a second language propels one, if you will, in a direction towards increased social survival, advanced abstraction, and a multiplicity of perspectives and opportunities. Furthermore, I've come to the conclusion that language is not only a complicated, mental forging of meaningful sounds, but also a process to which we must apply a very exclusive and skillful use of thought. The result is an altered state of awareness and an ability to communicate on a much higher level than grunts, hoots, and hollers.

Primary Language: Spanish

Courses: I've taught all lower-division Spanish classes, as well as Composition for Native Speakers, Spanish 394A Spanish Theater Production, and both Spanish 214 & 314 Spanish Conversation classes. And have been the director for the Department of World Languages & Literatures' Multimedia Language Center for the past 15 years.

Research Activities: Am fascinated by the linguistic structure and vocabulary in Juan Rulfo's writings, and have read his works extensively. Pictorial writing, such as found in Pre-Colombian codices, also interests me; and I have explored the idea of meaning as conveyed pictographically through these records. Have studied flint-knapping techniques and replicated stone tool technologies. Am currrently investigating the application and techniques involved with using Liquitex acrylics for mural painting.

Service/Public Committees: Faculty Advisor to El Teatro Universitario en Español (Student Organization); Faculty Advisor to Sigma Pi Alpha (Latina Student Organization); Art & Safety Committee Member; Floor Assistant for Building Evacuation; Volunteer Translator/Interpreter for Free Medical Clinics.

Link to the Multimedia Language Center

Link to Teatro Universitario en Español